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If you’re craving a cozy, irresistibly sweet side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe is here to win your heart. With tender slices of sweet potatoes bathed in a glossy, buttery glaze of powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, every bite offers a perfect balance of softness and caramelized sweetness. It’s a classic that never gets old, ideal for holiday dinners or any time you want to elevate your meal with something simple yet show-stopping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to making magic happen in your kitchen. Each one plays an important role: the sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and creamy texture, the butter adds richness and depth, powdered sugar gives that luscious glaze, and a pinch of salt balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (scrubbed): Choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture and natural sweetness.
- ½ cup salted butter (1 stick): Using salted butter helps bring out the flavor without needing extra seasoning.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The fine sugar dissolves smoothly to create that beautiful candied coating.
- Pinch kosher salt (or flaked sea salt): Just the right dash to enhance and balance the sweetness.
How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil Sweet Potatoes Until Tender
Start by boiling your scrubbed sweet potatoes whole in a pot of water until a fork easily pierces them, usually about 30 to 45 minutes depending on their size. This softens the potatoes perfectly so they’ll absorb the glaze beautifully without falling apart. Once cooked, drain and let them cool just enough to handle comfortably.
Step 2: Slice and Arrange Potatoes
While the oven preheats to 450°F, peel your cooled sweet potatoes and carefully cut them into half-inch slices. Arrange these slices neatly in a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish, overlapping just a bit like a lovely mosaic. This setup allows every slice to get coated and baked evenly, setting the stage for those stunning, candied layers.
Step 3: Make the Candied Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over gentle heat. Once melted, whisk in the powdered sugar and a pinch of kosher salt until you have a smooth, glossy glaze that pools just right. This luscious sauce is what transforms the humble sweet potatoes into a decadent treat, so make sure it’s well combined and shiny before pouring.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the glaze evenly over the arranged sweet potatoes, ensuring every slice is generously coated. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. By the end, the sweet potatoes will be tender with a shiny, sticky caramel glaze that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.
How to Serve Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To add a final touch of charm, sprinkle some toasted pecans or chopped fresh rosemary over the baked sweet potatoes. These garnishes bring a lovely crunch or fragrant aroma that pairs wonderfully with the rich sweetness, making your dish feel extra special at the table.
Side Dishes
Candied sweet potatoes work beautifully alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham for a festive holiday spread, but they also shine with simple grilled chicken or a fresh green salad for more casual meals. Their vibrant color and sweet flavor create a perfect contrast to savory mains and crisp vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a bit adventurous? Serve the candied sweet potatoes layered in a clear glass baking dish so everyone can admire the glossy caramelized goodness before diving in. Or, portion them individually in ramekins topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a fun dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover candied sweet potatoes are just as delicious the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the texture soft, and the flavors meld even more as they rest.
Freezing
If you want to keep leftovers longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooled sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zipper bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their signature taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the candied sweet potatoes in the oven at 325°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This method helps restore that lovely glaze and prevents them from drying out—microwaving works too for a quicker option but may soften the glaze slightly.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar in this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe?
While brown sugar can add a richer, molasses-like flavor, powdered sugar dissolves more smoothly creating that iconic glossy glaze. If you prefer brown sugar, you might need to adjust the melting process for the glaze to avoid graininess.
Is it necessary to boil the sweet potatoes before baking?
Boiling ensures the sweet potatoes cook evenly and remain tender during baking without drying out. You could slice raw sweet potatoes and bake longer, but boiling first guarantees the perfect soft texture essential for this recipe.
What’s the best type of sweet potato for this dish?
Look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin and a vibrant orange color. Varieties like Beauregard or Jewel will give you that classic sweetness and creamy flesh ideal for candied preparations.
Can I prepare this dish vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the salted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Remember to adjust the salt accordingly if your substitute is unsalted to keep that perfect balance in the glaze.
How shiny should the glaze be when baking?
The glaze should look glossy and sticky but not burned. After baking 25 to 30 minutes, the surface will develop a beautiful shine as the butter and sugar caramelize slowly, coating each sweet potato slice evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings warmth and joy to the table with minimal fuss. Its rich, buttery sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it an instant favorite, whether for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to side for every gathering. Don’t wait to experience the simple magic of candied sweet potatoes!
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Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a deliciously sweet and buttery side dish perfect for holiday meals or any cozy dinner. Tender sweet potato slices are boiled, then baked with a rich glaze of melted butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of salt until beautifully caramelized and shiny.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (scrubbed)
Glaze
- ½ cup salted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Pinch kosher salt or flaked sea salt
Instructions
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Place the scrubbed sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling water and cook until fork-tender, about 30-45 minutes depending on their size. Drain well and allow to cool until you can handle them safely.
- Prepare Baking Dish and Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray. Peel the cooled sweet potatoes and slice them into ½-inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices in a single, slightly overlapping layer in the prepared dish.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over low heat. Once melted, whisk in the powdered sugar and a pinch of kosher or flaked sea salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Glaze and Bake: Pour the sugar and butter glaze evenly over the arranged sweet potato slices. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the glaze is fully caramelized and the potatoes have a shiny finish. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze if desired.
- Use powdered sugar specifically for a smooth glaze; granulated sugar will not dissolve properly.
- Ensure sweet potatoes are boiled to the right tenderness to avoid undercooked or overly soft slices.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven to restore glaze shine.
